Group J World Cup 2026 features defending champions Argentina, Algeria, Austria, and debutants Jordan. The group runs June 16 to 27. Argentina open against Algeria in Kansas City.
Here is the bottom line. Argentina are the clear favorite. Austria and Algeria should fight for second. Jordan arrive as historic debutants.
Below you get the full schedule with ET kickoff times, live standings, and results. You also see how to watch every Group J game in the US.
Group J World Cup 2026 Teams
Four teams make up Group J. Argentina enter as world champions. Austria return in strong form. Algeria bring attacking flair, and Jordan make history just by being here.
| Team | Confederation | FIFA Ranking | How They Qualified | Best World Cup Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | CONMEBOL | 3 | South American qualifying | Champions (1978, 1986, 2022) |
| Austria | UEFA | 24 | European qualifying | Third place (1954) |
| Algeria | CAF | 28 | African qualifying | Round of 16 (2014) |
| Jordan | AFC | 63 | Asian qualifying | Debut (first appearance) |
FIFA rankings reflect the April 2026 list. The next update lands June 9.
You can see the full roster for each nation here:
- Argentina World Cup squad 2026
- Austria World Cup squad 2026
- Algeria World Cup squad 2026
- Jordan World Cup squad 2026
Group J World Cup 2026 Schedule
Group J plays six matches over two weeks. Argentina face Algeria in the opener. The final two matches kick off at the same time on June 27.
All times below are Eastern Time (ET).
| Date | Match | Kickoff (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, June 16 | Argentina vs Algeria | 9:00 p.m. | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City |
| Tue, June 16 | Austria vs Jordan | 12:00 a.m. | Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area |
| Mon, June 22 | Argentina vs Austria | 1:00 p.m. | AT&T Stadium, Dallas |
| Mon, June 22 | Jordan vs Algeria | 11:00 p.m. | Levi’s Stadium, San Francisco Bay Area |
| Sat, June 27 | Algeria vs Austria | 10:00 p.m. | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City |
| Sat, June 27 | Jordan vs Argentina | 10:00 p.m. | AT&T Stadium, Dallas |
Every Group J match is in the United States, across Kansas City, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Dallas. The two final games kick off together at 10 p.m. ET on June 27.
Want the full picture? See the full World Cup schedule for all 104 matches.
World Cup 2026 Group J Standings
The standings below update live as results come in. The top two teams advance, plus the best third-placed team can reach the round of 32.
- Possible qualification (best 8 third-placed teams advance)
- Eliminated from tournament
FIFA changed the tiebreakers for 2026. If teams finish level on points, head-to-head results now come first. The order is head-to-head points, then head-to-head goal difference, then head-to-head goals scored. If teams are still level, FIFA uses overall goal difference, then overall goals scored, then the fair play record, and finally the FIFA ranking.
Group J Results
Group J results post here after each match.
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Algeria
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Argentina
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Austria
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Jordan
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| 1 | Algeria | ||||
| 2 | Argentina | ||||
| 3 | Austria | ||||
| 4 | Jordan |
Ready to watch? See our full World Cup 2026 streaming guide for every team.
Who Will Win Group J?
Argentina are the clear favorite. The defending champions rank 3rd and won their third title in 2022. Coach Lionel Scaloni keeps a strong squad, with Lionel Messi expected to lead one more time. Topping the group looks likely.
Austria and Algeria should battle for second. Austria bring structure under Ralf Rangnick, while Algeria carry attacking flair through Riyad Mahrez.
Jordan are the underdogs. On their World Cup debut, they will aim to make history in the expanded format.
FAQ About Group J World Cup 2026
Is this Jordan’s first World Cup?
Yes. The 2026 World Cup is Jordan’s first ever, a landmark for the country. They qualified through Asian qualifying, finishing behind South Korea in their group. Jordan arrive with belief after reaching the 2023 Asian Cup final, and coach Jamal Sellami wants his side to follow the example of fellow Arab nation Morocco.
Will Lionel Messi play at the 2026 World Cup?
He is expected to. Lionel Messi, now 38, has been cautious about committing, but coach Lionel Scaloni has said he will do everything to bring his captain to North America. It would be Messi’s record sixth World Cup and, almost certainly, his last, four years after he led Argentina to the 2022 title.
Can Argentina win back-to-back World Cups?
They will try. Argentina arrive as defending champions, having won their third title in 2022, after 1978 and 1986. No team has retained the World Cup since Brazil in 1962. With a strong squad under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina are among the favorites to break that long drought.
How long has it been since Austria reached a World Cup?
A long time. Austria return for the first time since 1998, ending a 28-year absence. It is their eighth appearance overall, and their best finish remains third place back in 1954. They qualified directly under respected German coach Ralf Rangnick, with Real Madrid’s David Alaba leading the side.
Do Algeria and Austria share any World Cup history?
Yes, and it is infamous. At the 1982 World Cup, Algeria beat West Germany, but West Germany and Austria then played out a 1-0 result that sent both European teams through and knocked Algeria out. The episode, known as the Disgrace of Gijón, led FIFA to make final group games kick off at the same time. The two meet again on June 27.
Where are Group J matches played?
Every Group J match is in the United States. The games are split across Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area, and AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The two final-round matches kick off together at 10 p.m. ET on June 27.
Group J World Cup 2026 pairs Argentina’s title defense, and perhaps Messi’s last dance, with a resurgent Austria, a dangerous Algeria, and a debut to remember for Jordan. The group opens June 16 in Kansas City.
